You're Going to Love Dakar
Senegal's capital is full of colonial architecture, colorful streets, frenetic markets, and pulsating nightclubs. But it has another side too. If you want to chill out, you can relax on the city's northern beaches, or find peace and quiet on the city's offshore islands.
Top 5 Reasons to Visit Dakar
1. Culture and Museums
Dakar has the museums and galleries befitting a major world capital, from the Institut Français to the African art collections at the Musée Théodore Monod.
2. Thrilling Nightlife
Check out the popular bar and dance club at the Phare des Mamelles lighthouse or enjoy some Senegalese reggae at Black & White.
3. Fascinating Offshore Islands
Visitors should not miss the Île de Gorée, a UNESCO heritage site that was once a crucial hub in the transatlantic slave trade. If you want to get away from it all, the Îles des Madeleines are the ideal place to do so.
4. Vibrant Markets
There's no better place to buy souvenirs than the HLM Market, while Sandaga Market is the place to head for wooden carvings.
5. Laze Around on the Beach
Surf at Plage de Yoff or the Plage du Virage, or find a secluded spot on the beautiful Île de N'gor.
When to Visit Dakar
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Dakar in {1}
Senegal's dry season is the time to go, between December and April. December also sees the World Festival of Black Arts swing into town, so it's a great time to visit.
How to Get to Dakar
Plane
Delta and South African Airways fly into Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR). From there, Bus Line 8 runs into town (XOF150) and taxis will cost about XOF5,000.
Car
From the airport, follow the Route de l'Aeroport, then proceed onto the N1, which runs into the city center. If you are coming from Thies, take the N2 while the N1 runs from Kaolack.
Bus
Buses in Senegal tend to take the form of "Sept Places" (seven seater) minibuses, which run into Dakar's Gare Routiere Pompiers.
Airlines serving Dakar
Where to stay in popular areas of Dakar
Most booked hotels in Dakar
How to Get Around Dakar
Public Transportation
Single fares on the Dakar Dem Dikk bus network cost XOF150 and the system is fairly dependable.
Taxi
Travelers can take "car rapides" (minibuses) for around XOF150 per journey, or conventional taxis. Fares are negotiated before traveling and usually come to around XOF1,500 per mile.
Car
You can rent a car from branches of Hertz or ADA, and rates are often around XOF4,000 per day.
The Cost of Living in Dakar
Shopping Streets
Head to HLM Market for fabrics, Sandaga Market for pretty much anything, and Marché Kermel for locally produced craft products.
Groceries and Other
Grocery stores include Score and Citydia. Expect to pay around XOF1,000 for 12 eggs.
Where to Eat in Dakar
There's great seafood to be found at Le Lagon 1 and Le Bideew, while Le Djembé is the place to head for an authentic plate of thiéboudienne (rice, vegetable, and fish stew). Meals cost around XOF5,000-15,000.